More empty properties because of building schemes

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall says the number of empty public sector properties on the Island has been growing because of major building schemes.

He faced a written question from Onchan MHK Rob Callister about the figures, and said there were 165 properties empty at the end of last year - compared to 147 the previous year and 117 the year before that.

Mr Crookall said the increase could be explained by homes which were empty because they needed to be demolished or redeveloped.

He said two such schemes were School Hill in Castletown and Cooil ny Marrey in Ramsey.